21/3/24

 Constructs reality- reality can be understood in different ways by different people.

What reality is constructed in the video to Gucci Gang by Lil' Pump?

This video represented a range of different social groups. One high school student, with the mise-en-scene of rows of lockers and stereotypical classrooms, typical of a high school in America. The high school has many elements of stereotypically middle class representation. The location is clean and well maintained and the students are well dressed and look like they have emerged from an American high school drama. 

However a binary opposition has been constructed between this stereotypical middle class setting, and the artist. Lil' Pump represents a stereotypical rapper, involved in both drugs dealing and violence, Lil' Pump represents both criminals and older teenagers. Lil' Pump is also a representation of a person of colour, and this representation is constructed through a series of highly leading close us shots, which connote his personality. 

His confidence and rebellious attitude is constructed through the many shots showing clutching the mise-en-scene of oversized bags of cannabis. Not only is this symbolically connotative of his wealth, but also of his occupation, and he is clearly constructed as a drug dealer.

The mise-en-scene of Lil' Pumps appearance is highly noticeable, and is constructed through the mise-en-scene of bright pink hair and the shiny silver jacket. This alarming mise-en-scene symbolises Lil Pumps outgoing and arrogant personality. His mannerisms and movements are all performatively relaxed, his arrogant and excessively confident swagger mark him out as relaxed, even though he  is clearly represented as a criminal. 

Teachers and other authority figures are represented as having a complex lack of authority, therefore emphasising Lil' Pumps cavalier attitude towards drug dealing. The teacher's costume in particular her brown faded cardigan is stereotypical of old fashion values, and contrasts violently with the costume of the students, which typically are almost aggressively colourful. 

In this video people of colour are represented as rebellious violent criminals. However, through his sympathetic representation, Lil' Pump is constructed as a likable, edgy and even funny character, which potentially reinforces the message that dealing and taking drugs is an acceptable life style.

Lil' Pumps slurred and even amateurish delivery is typical of the mumble rap sub genre, and even more importantly reinforces Lil' Pumps status as a gangster as a threatening individual and as someone who exists outside of the normal hegemonic rules of society.

In reinforcing these stereotypes this allows the video to minimise risk and maximise profit, by satisfying the expectations of the target audiences of this song. 

Formation- Beyoncé

• Formation, lead single for the album Lemonade, was released the day before Beyoncé performed at the Super Bowl final in Fen 2016. The Formation music video directed by Melina Matsoukas, was released with the song. 
• This music video has won numerous awards including a Clio Award for Innovation and Creative Excellence in Music Video at the 2016 awards, and has been nominated in the music category at the 59th Grammy Award 
• The video is set against the backdrop of the flooding in New Orleans following hurricane Katrina and the associated racial tension in America and also draws historical parallels references to racism and slavery.